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Spring Training Ballpark

McKechnie Field

McKechnie Field, which is named after Pittsburgh native, former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie, was originally built in 1923. It has been renovated several times over the years, including major upgrades in 2013, to become one of baseball's finest facilities.

The centerpiece of the 2013 renovations was a 19,000 square foot boardwalk spanning the outfield. Updates also included new group areas with enhanced sight lines to the field, expanded restroom facilities, new concessions locations and an enlarged Fan Plaza. Massive palm trees now dot the landscape, augmenting the charm of the 90-year-old stadium. The Boardwalk Barbeque Area, located on the boardwalk in the right field area, gives groups of 25 or more the chance to enjoy an all-you-can eat pregame picnic in full view of the field. On the opposite side of the ballpark, the Left Field Party Deck features a high-end catering menu and an incredible vantage point to watch the game. In addition, every individual reserved seat was removed from the park, and 4,600 new, more comfortable seats were installed. And new covered bleachers with 570 seats were added in left field, expanding McKechnie Field's capacity to more than 8,500.

"This project speaks to the strength of our partnership with Bradenton and Manatee County," said Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting. "It is a partnership of that, I believe, is the strongest in Major League Baseball thanks to the local leadership of Mayor Poston, the City Council, the County Commission, Tourist Development Council, Bradenton Downtown Development Authority and, most importantly, the support of the Bradenton community."

In 2006, the city of Bradenton received a grant from the state of Florida to upgrade the Pirates' Spring Training facilities. The upgrades include lights and a new visitor's clubhouse at McKechnie Field and new offices, dormitories, renovations to the minor league clubhouse and a fifth practice field at the minor league complex.

McKechnie Field renovations from 1991-93 included new grounds, wide access ramps, concession stands, kiosks and improved sight lines, all while maintaining a ballpark's classic ambiance. The palm-tree lined park was integrated into the already 1920s Spanish-mission style by using masonry, stucco and structural steel materials. McKechnie Field was even pulled back from the street, allowing for the creation of a public plaza and walkway around the park. Inside McKechnie, fans moved closer to the field by expanding seating capacity from approximately 4,200 seats to more than 6,500 seats.

Bradenton is the 16th different training site used by the Pirates since 1900:

Ballpark Information

McKechnie Field

Seating Capacity:

8,500+

Ballpark Dimensions:

335 feet down the lines

375 feet to the alleys

400 feet to center field

Driving Directions

Nestled between the tropical blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the North, the Bradenton Area -- and Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key -- is a great place to explore historic attractions, fishing adventures, golf and shopping.

Bisected by the Manatee River, the small city of Bradenton lies on the river's southern shore with the municipalities of Palmetto and Ellenton to the north.

McKechnie Field (Ballpark)

Located 1/2 mile West of Highway 41 on 9th Street West at 17th Ave. West.

From North (St. Petersburg): Go over Skyway Bridge to Exit 5 (US19 South). Continue on 41 South (Bradenton/Sarasota). Make a right turn onto 17th Avenue West and continue to McKechnie Field.

From South (Sarasota): Take Route 41 North to Cortez Road, go straight onto Business 41 and turn right onto 17th Ave. West. Ballpark is located at intersection of 17th Avenue West and 9th Street West.

From Interstate 75: Exit I-75 at S.R. 64 West (exit 220 if traveling south, exit 220B if traveling north). Go west on Route 64 to 9th Street West and turn left to the ballpark.

Pirate City (Training Facility)

1701 27th Street East

Bradenton, FL 34208

(941) 747-3031

From Interstate 75: Exit I-75 at S.R. 64 West (exit 220 if traveling south, exit 220B if traveling north). Proceed west towards Bradenton and make a left on 27th Street East. Pirate City is approx. a mile on the left.

From McKechnie Field: Head west on 17th Ave. West and make a right onto U.S. 41. At first stoplight, make a left onto 26th Ave. East. Follow until 27th St. East, make left. Pass Mixon Fruit Farms -- Pirate City is on the right.

From South (Sarasota): Travel North on US 301. Cross S.R. 70 and make a right onto 38th Ave. East. Make first left onto 27th St. E. and Pirate City is a mile up the road.

From North (St. Petersburg): Travel south on I-275 over Skyway Bridge to Exit 5 (US19 South) and continue on US41. Cross Manatee River and follow signs for SR64 East. Take 64 East and make a right onto 27th St. East. Pirate City is a mile down on left.

Parking Information

Day-of-game parking is available at several recommended locations. The Outfield Parking Lot north of the ballpark is accessible from 9th Street West. Individuals with tickets already in hand may enter through the rear gate behind centerfield. Drop-offs are permitted at the entrance to the lot prior to parking to shorten the walk to the box office for as many fans as possible.

A grass parking lot is located on 6th Street West and accessible from 17th Avenue West.

Parking is also available at the Bradenton Wastewater Treatment facility, located one-half mile east of the ballpark on 17th Avenue.

All parking lots have limited capacity. Spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Spring Training season ticket holders receive a $2 discount in all lots by displaying their season ticket holder ID.

Golf carts will be available at each official Pirates parking lot to transport fans to and from the main entrance.